Disengaged, Indifferent, and Turning Away
“Only 11% of Gen Z are considered “Scripture Engaged,”” according to the American Bible Society (1). That means, 89% of Gen Z are uninvolved, having no commitment to fellowship in church or spending time in the Word. 89%. That’s a significant number. As a parent, that should at best, make us pause, and at worst, drive us to our knees in prayer.
There used to be a time when most people seemed to have regard for God and respect for Scripture, even if they were not “church-going” people. Parents often recognized the importance of instilling values in their children and were not opposed to them attending Sunday School or VBS, even if they did not attend themselves. How far we’ve moved from that standard. It’s not the norm any longer and those who embrace that are often labeled as ‘antiquated’, or worse.
“Our youngest adults—those in Generation Z—have more fears, greater anxiety, lower self-esteem, and less affirmation from peers than any older generation.”
The result is that, according to John F. Plake, the CIO of the American Bible Society, “Our youngest adults—those in Generation Z—have more fears, greater anxiety, lower self-esteem, and less affirmation from peers than any older generation.” (1) We can see it, can’t we? Even our own sons and daughters are struggling, though they may not readily admit it.
The further we distance ourselves from God and Scripture, the greater the anxieties and fears that plague us and we experience more unrest, both mental and emotional. We’ve shifted from God’s truth to our own truth, that which no one can contradict because it’s subjective and personal. Yet, individual truth leaves a gap of morality and safety. No one knows what the rules are and the expectations continually change. So we’re left with an ‘every man for himself’ approach that leaves people craving affirmation from others rather than God, seeking tangible things to fill the spiritual hunger, and running after idols that look like relationships, titles, possessions, and experiences.
We have the most powerful weapon in our arsenal: prayer.
So what can we do? Where do we turn? As parents, we no longer have the opportunity to wake them up on a Sunday and get them ready for church. We can’t cart them off to AWANA and then review their memory verses with them for the following week. There is no adult VBS where they can meet with their friends, play games and learn God’s word in a fun summer program. No, our options are limited, but we have the most powerful weapon in our arsenal: prayer.
“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” James 5:16b-20
There is incredible, spirit-moving, kingdom-building power in prayer! We have access to the Throne of the Almighty, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is our Father, our Savior, our Friend and He listens intently to the prayer of our heart. We can pray with confidence. Satan doesn’t stand a chance because Christ has already won!
“And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Colossians 2:15
Ephesians 6:10-12 tells us, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
So let’s agree to pray together for this generation of young adults who so desperately need to turn to the Savior and rest in Him. Let’s pray that they will hunger and thirst after righteousness and crave time in His Word - God’s Word is transformational! Pray they will sense the stirring of the Holy Spirit and turn to embrace Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
This week we’re doing something a little different by having scripture and prayer for every day of the week. Let’s bathe our sons and daughters in prayer using God’s Word and ask Him to move and work in their hearts and draw them into active, vibrant fellowship with Him. Each Scripture is focused on the phrase “Your Word” and the message is powerful!
Sunday
“Oh Lord, my heart is heavy. This generation of young adults is drifting away from You and many don’t even know You. Almighty God, Lord of all, I bring (name) before You today and ask that You would draw them into right fellowship with You. Give them a hunger and thirst for Your Word. Even today, Lord, open their eyes to see their Bible and urge them to pick it up and begin reading. I know I can’t motivate this, but You can. Change what their heart craves because I know that only by living according to Your Word, (name) will keep their way pure (Psalm 119:11). I pray that (name) would delight in Your decrees and would not neglect Your Word (Psalm 119:16) I pray that Your Word would be a lamp to their feet and a light to their path (Psalm 119:105) Jesus, I pray that You would be what they crave and they would fall in love with You in ways that words can’t describe. Draw them to You. It is in Your name I pray, amen.”
Monday
“Sovereign Lord, there is so much in this world that would pull us away from You. I bring (name) before You today and ask You to work in their heart and mind. I pray that You would Turn (names) eyes away from worthless things; preserve [their] life according to Your Word. (Psalm 119:37) There are so many influences and temptations that have potential to ensnare (name) in sin and trap them in bondage to the brokenness of this world. I pray that they would seek Your precepts so that they might walk about in freedom.(Psalm 119:45). Only You can change their desires and motivate change. I ask that You would protect them, in Jesus’ name, amen.”
Tuesday
Oh Lord, “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to Your Word.(Psalm 119:28). Help me to trust in Your mighty protection over (name). I pray that they would engage with You today in prayer, in praise, in worship, and in Your Word. Strengthen them through Scripture and let those words sink deeply and effect change so (name) “can answer anyone who taunts [them], for (name) trusts in Your Word (Psalm 119:42). Bring a change of heart, of attitude, and of direction in (name)’s life, even today. I know You can do it, Lord, I pray that You would, in Jesus’ name, amen.”
Wednesday
Father God, I pray that today You would “direct (name)’s footsteps according to Your Word; let no sin rule over [them] (Psalm 119:133). But to live according to Your Word, they have to know Your Word and to know it, they have to spend time there. Stir a desire to read their Bible, to listen to teaching, and to be involved in a church fellowship. Today I ask that You would bring to mind the verses they memorized as a child, You promised that by hiding Your Word in our hearts, we would not sin against You (Psalm 119:11). Protect (name) from sin. Lord, do a work in (name)’s heart and mind today. Change them. Make them more like Christ. In His name I pray, amen.
Thursday
Heavenly Father, “I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in Your Word” (Psalm 119:147). You are the hope of eternal life and in Your words I find life. You are the only hope for redemption in this dark and difficult world. Open (name)’s eyes to love Your Precepts. Give them a longing to spend time in prayer and fellowship with You so they can say, “See how I love your precepts; preserve my life, LORD, in accordance with your love” (Psalm 119:159). Help them, like Peter, to recognize there is no one else who holds that power, “Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). I know this world is hard, life pulls at us from all directions and I see the pressure on this generation and on (name) specifically. They’re longing for peace and to find what satisfies them. I ask that You would help (name) to “remember, LORD, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them” (Psalm 119:52). Only You can quench their thirst and fill (name) with good things. I pray that You would. Lord, please show me You’re working. I trust You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.”
Friday
“Oh dear Savior, I know that (name) is weary, they’re struggling against all of the negative influences in this world…or caving in to the pressures of them.
[Their] soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen [them] according to Your Word (Psalm 119:28). Help them to turn to You and to Your Word for strength, encouragement, refreshment, and solace. Lord, I know when they do that, they will be strengthened to “answer anyone who taunts [them], for[they] trust in Your Word (Psalm 119:42). Show them they can trust You, Lord. Show them You’re listening to their cries. Be near to them, lean in and surround them with Your favor as with a shield (Psalm 5:12). May my [parent] cry come before you, LORD; give me understanding according to Your Word (Psalm 119:169) and do the same for (name) in Jesus’ name, amen.”
Saturday
“Lord, God, my prayer is that (name) would “reach out for your commands, which [they] love, that [they] may meditate on your decrees. (Psalm 119:48). I pray that (name) would pray, “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in Your Word” (Psalm 119:114). May it be true that their hope is in Your Word. And let it be that “those who fear You rejoice when they see (name), for (name) has put [their] hope in Your Word.(Psalm 119:74). Lord, You have the power to change (name) and draw them into fellowship with You, yet You’ve also gifted them with the freedom to choose- oh how I pray they choose You, again and again. Holy Spirit, give them a hunger and thirst for You and lead them to the living water that satisfies beyond anything this world can offer. I pray all this in Jesus’ name, amen.”
God is not done working and He is able to do more than we could ever imagine. Lean into Him and wait expectantly- He will do it!
Pray without ceasing.
New research shows Gen z is the least scripture engaged generation. American Bible Society. (2024, September 12). https://www.americanbible.org/news/press-releases/articles/new-research-shows-gen-z-is-the-least-scripture-engaged-generation/?utm_campaign=The+Culture+Translator&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9oBgy6dp8kdNK8QRJBh3oZb-mVzLanwWwMD6As3LcgvpHvIPyziv5UdV32gu4PWGBwjeXuKsZ9IrKViqHFrwyKB3QizA&_hsmi=332877897&utm_content=332877897&utm_source=hs_email
When the Weight of Your Thoughts Overwhelms You
We all know that feeling we get when things become too much. Whether the grief is bubbling to the surface, and we can’t hold it in, or the weight of worry is burying us under layers of concern and we feel like we’re going to suffocate, we feel the weight. When the dark thoughts creep in it’s hard to fight against the tide that seems to be too strong to turn. The worry and anxiety do not just set the tone for our day, they can consume it. So how do we fight it? And how can we encourage those we love in helpful ways that will point them to Christ in the struggle to manage the overwhelm?
Psalm 94:19 gives us some guidance; check out these three translations:
“When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought me joy.” (NIV)
“In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul” (NKJV)
“When the cares of my heart are many, Your consolations cheer my soul.” (ESV)
Did you see it? WE can’t change anything…but God CAN and He WILL!!
The word anxiety (cares) comes from the Hebrew the word “sarapin” and means “disquieting thoughts.” 1 We’ve all experienced those, haven’t we?
Whether it’s worry over our kids, concern over a situation that feels out of control, fear of the unknown or grief over recent news, our hearts can only withstand so much. When we’re overwhelmed, our minds spin and build upon what is already present. It marinates. It festers. It distracts us from God and steals our peace. It’s not how God wants us to live.
When our thoughts battle against one another or against our peace of mind and heart, that is what Hebrew calls “sarapin”. The word “sarapin” stems from the root word “səipa” which means “ambivalence, division, or divided opinion.”2 And when we give space to those anxious thoughts, they can begin to consume us and distract our mind and heart from focusing on and trusting in God.
But God has a remedy for the confusion and division. Notice…GOD has the remedy. As much as we might try, we don’t have the power to will ourselves to be comforted. But God does!
His consolation or comfort is present and available to us. The Hebrew word “tanhumot” means “compassion or solace.”3 and that word comes from the word “naham” which means “to take a deep breath and be comforted.”4
Remember when our children would cry, sob with ragged breaths and sniff back the tears? We would gather them in, sweep the hair out of their eyes and gently rub their back or arm. Oftentimes we would gently tell them, “just breathe” and we could see them begin to settle and grow calm. Friends, that’s what our Heavenly Father tells us, too, “Just breathe. Rest in My strength. Lean into Me and find comfort and solace. My comforts can delight and cheer your very soul.” Why is it that we resist? Why do we think we have to settle our hearts in our own strength?
If we invite Him to, God settles and smooths our thoughts and our heart so that our troubled minds can be calmed and rest. He longs to give us joy, delight, and cheer! And what better way to demonstrate to others that we have the joy of the Lord?!
Today, take time to pray and pour out your heart to the Lord. Tell Him all the things that are weighing you down. He can bear the load- nothing is too much for Him. Be honest about your fears and your anger, your hurt and confusion. Lean into Him and let Him comfort you. He can and He will.
Then, take time to read the Psalms, maybe listen to some praise and worship music. Just sit and be still. God has abundant comfort for our needs, we only need sit at His feet and ask.
Pray without ceasing.
1. H8312 - śarʿapîm - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h8312/kjv/wlc/0-1/
2. H5587 - sᵊʿipâ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h5587/kjv/wlc/0-1/
3. H8575 - tanḥûmôṯ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h8575/kjv/wlc/0-1/
4. H5162 - nāḥam - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h5162/kjv/wlc/0-1/
Be Sure to Leave It Where They Can Find It
“I will sing of the LORD's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.” Psalm 89:1
When we have something important we want to give our kids, we want to leave it where they can find it, especially if we’re not going to be there to point it out. Whether it be a special note or gift, or maybe important paperwork in the event something happens, we don’t want it to be a mystery and we don’t want to make it difficult. If it’s important, we tell them exactly where the items are so they can easily access them, why would we not?
But do we do the same with our faith? If our kids went looking, would they easily find it? Would they be able to quickly point out where our hope is anchored? Or would they have to hunt for it?
There is nothing more important than sharing our faith with our sons and daughters, nothing. If we would be called home to heaven, what would they find as they go through our belongings? What would they write about how we lived? What was so evident in our lives as the most important to us?
Let’s be intentional about sharing our love for the Lord and the evidence of His faithfulness in our lives. Let’s shift the paradigm of our day, our life to testify of God’s goodness and presence that redeems us and transforms us. Let’s be sure to leave behind a legacy of faith for our sons and daughters so that the most precious thing we pass to them is faith in Jesus Christ and hope for eternity.
“Father You are faithful. All throughout my life You’ve been present and working, even when I could not see Your hand or when I was too distracted to make you a priority. I pray that from today onward, I would live in such a way that my sons and daughters would know that my faith in Jesus is the most precious thing I could share with them. I pray that they will see You in me. Lord, let there be no question about what I value and prioritize. Don’t allow me to be distracted by the busyness of this world, the charms of what it promises but cannot deliver, or the lie that my value lies in what I accomplish. My value lies in who I am…and who I am is a child of the Most High God. Lord, I want my sons and daughters to embrace You fully and pursue You daily. Help me to model that to them. Let them see me reading Your Word. Let them be confident that I am praying for them daily and that they can share any burden, need or request and I will take it to the Throne and intercede for them. Help me to memorize Your word so that it becomes part of my language and the Holy Spirit can stir and pour out what I’ve committed to head and heart so that others can be encouraged. Lord, help me to leave my faith where my kids can easily find it and help them to treasure it as they most precious thing I could pass along to them. I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.”
Pray for the Body of Believers to live in genuine love.
John 13:35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
Love: agape= affection, benevolence.
By THIS. By living in and showing love everyone will know we are a Christ follower.
Not by our knowledge. Not by our music. Not by our preaching or spiritual words. Not by our approval. Not by our service. But they will know because they see the evidence of our love toward one another and toward those around us. It’s a love that’s given freely, it’s not earned. It’s not to be used as leverage, it’s poured out generously. It doesn’t ask to be reciprocal and doesn’t wait for an equal exchange. They will know that we, the Church, the Body of Christ, are His followers because our love is unlike that of this world; it is God-generated and God-sustained.
Our sons and daughters need to understand the 'basics' of what Christ calls us to...and we as parents, role models, older believers, need to live it out so that they can clearly see what Christ means by this.
“Lord, please work in the Body of Christ today so that everything we say and do is motivated by and eclipsed by Godly love. I pray that we would not show love based on how others treat us, accept us, or affirm us, but that we would love unconditionally. Help us to love the unlovely. Help us to love when it’s not the natural response we might have. Help us to love as Jesus loved so that when others see us, they really see Him. Work in Your Church today. Help us to love like You love so that others will know we are Christ followers, not by our words, but by our actions. Build up Your Church, Lord. Protect us and deepen our walk with You so that as days grow darker, we can be salt and light to show others You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
A Prayer for the Church: Let the Peace of Christ Rule
Colossians 3:15 “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
As we anticipate the remembrance of Christ’s death and resurrection, it’s a time many often give something up to remind them of all Christ gave on our behalf. But instead of ‘going without’ why don’t we commit to praying for the Body of Believers, we who daily represent Christ to this world, those with whom we are joined as The Church and The Bride. We should pray, too, for our sons and daughters as they are members of the Body (or if they are not, they would be drawn to know Christ).
Dark days are ahead…in fact they are here and walking faithfully requires us to be intentional. Let’s immerse ourselves in Scripture that reminds us of who we are in Christ and how we are called to live as His church.
Let's commit to pray in the weeks building to Resurrection Day that God would move and work in His Church so that we would stand strong against the enemy and would uphold one another to remain faithful. Will you commit to pray too?
Colossians 3:15 “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
The phrase "Let rule" is the word “brabeuo” in Greek and it means to arbitrate or umpire, to govern.
A question for prayer and meditation:
What are we allowing to rule in our hearts and govern our thoughts and responses?
Our Prayer point:
Pray that the Church would allow the peace of Christ to rule in our hearts individually and collectively and pray the world would see this extraordinary peace and be drawn to Christ.
Pray without ceasing
Dear Children…Don’t Let Anyone Lead You Astray
“Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.”
Have you ever been deceived? It’s an awful realization, isn’t it? When you believe and trust in someone or something, only to realize that what you believed to be true, thought you understood and wholeheartedly supported is not what it seemed. It can throw you for a loop. And watching someone go through it can be equally as difficult…especially when that other person doesn’t recognize the deception.
Deception is a slippery slope that pulls people further and further from the Truth and into false hope, misdirected loyalty, and often, victimization. Deception leads to loss of resources, relationships, and hope. It’s a ploy of the enemy to convince people to believe a lie, isolate them from one another and keep them from following Christ.
But how do you recognize deception? How can you spot a ‘fake’? Those who are trained to spot fake money and art look for certain characteristics and inconsistencies. But in order to do so, they have to have intricate knowledge of the original before they are able to spot a fake. Our sons and daughters need to have strong knowledge of Scripture and a consistent, growing relationship with the Lord in order to protect themselves from deception. Inch-deep knowledge and casual practice of spiritual disciplines leave us vulnerable to being led astray by teachers whose teaching “sounds similar” but whose doctrine weaves in error and deception.
The enemy will try to convince us that what we’re following is “okay” or “not really as bad as we might think”, or even label it as “my truth” so others cannot tell us it’s wrong. If he can do that, then he is accomplishing his goal of deception and disruption. Lord have mercy! Our sons and daughters need to be on guard!!
1 John 3:7-8 says, “Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.”
So, how do we recognize and avoid deception? How do we remain faithful? We need to pray that our sons and daughters will:
Recognize God’s Truth:
Colossians 1:9-14 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
Be able to identify falsehood
Jude 1:17-19 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.”
2 John 2:7, 9-11 “I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.
Avoid evil:
Proverbs 16:17 “The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives.”
I John 1:6 “If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.”
Fellowship with other believers who walk in the Truth:
Acts 2:42 “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
1 John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
Listen to the Holy Spirit Who lives in us- He will help us recognize those who walk with Christ in genuine fellowship vs. those who are ‘posers’.
1 John 4:6 “We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.”
Strive to maintain a testimony that gives evidence of Christ in us- our life should speak truth and give evidence of Christ to others
3 John 1:3 “ It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it.”
Today, let’s pray these scriptures over our sons and daughters. But let’s also pray for the Body of Believers. Satan is strong, yes, but the God that lives in us is stronger and He holds the victory!! Let’s pray He will surround us with His mighty protection and keep us walking faithfully.
Pray without ceasing.